Divisible case



D. S. PETERSON DIVISIBLE CASE Aug; 27, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July18. 1960 FIG-2 FIG-1 INVENTOR. [QALE s PETERSON FIG'5 Aug. 27, 1963 SPETERSON 3,101,880

DIVISIBLE CASE Filed July 18, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 JNVENTOR. DALESPETERSON United States Patent 3,101,880 DIVISIBLE CASE Dale S.Peterson, San Lorenzo, Calih, assignor to Longview Fibre Company, SanFrancisco, Calif. Filed July 18, 1960 Ser. No. 43,417 4 Claims. (Cl.229-45) This invention relates to a divisible case, and has for one ofits objects the provision of a fiberboard case that is divisible intoseparate smaller cases.

In the canning, and other industries, the packers have found itdesirable to provide a unitary pack or case holding, for example, twodozen cans or other units, that may be separated to form separate sealedpackages or oases holding say one dozen cans or each. Each of theseparate sealed packages or cases, of course, should be pilfer proof.

The provision of a divisible case enables the distributor to distributeless than case lots Without the necessity for breaking open a full caseand handling loose cans, and leaving a partially filled case of loosecans, which is not only costly in time and trouble, but encouragespilfenage. Also, the retailer in many instances will sell half cases ofproducts to customers where they would not purchase full cases, and byhaving a divisible case no time is wasted in handling and repackagingloose cans.

Among the problems that must be solved in making a case that isdivisible is that of providing a case that may automatically be loadedby conventional case loading equipment, and which case, when loaded, maybe closed and sealed by conventional closing and sea-ling equipment.

Another problem is that of providing a divisible case that issuificiently economical in material and method of assembly or folding,to be practical. In order to be acceptable the structure of the caseshould lend itself to rapid assembly and should be adapted to becollapsed to a flat condition for shipment and storage, and the separatecase sections, when the case is divided, should remain sealed againstpilferage of the contents.

One of the objects of the invention is the provision of a divisible casethat solves all of the above-mentioned problems. The case is economicalto make and to assemble, and may be folded to a flat condition forshipment or storage, and when the case is set up, filled and sealed andis then divided into separate sections or cases, the latter remainssealed against pilferage of the contents, but may be quickly opened inthe same manner as a filled, non-divisible conventional case.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a divisiblecase that is strong, rigid, and that is easily separated into sections.

Other objects and advantages will appear in the description and in thedrawings.

In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a reduced size plan view of a blank from which the body of thecase is adapted to be formed.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of one of two identical partitionsadapted to be secured within the case.

FIG. 3 is a perspective View of the case after it has been formed withthe partition. are shown in the open position.

FIG. 4 is a reduced top plan View of a closed case formed from the blankof FIG. 1, partly broken away and in section.

FIG. 5 is a reduced size plan view of a blank that is slightly dilferentfrom the blank of FIG. 1. The partition structure for use with thisblank is the same as used in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a reduced top plan view of a closed case formed from the blankof FIG. 5, partly broken away and in section.

The top closure flaps FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an open caseformed from the blank of FIG. 1 but having a partition that is amodification of the type shown in H6. 2.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the modified partition of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a closed case that has been divided, andthis view would be applicable to any of the structures shown.

In detail the blank of FIG. 1 is a generally oblong sheet of doublefaced corrugated fibreboard formed with t! pair of parallel, spacedfolding creases 1, 2 extending longitudinally thereof. Parallel spacedfolding creases 3, d, 5, 6 extend tnansversely of the blank between andat right angles to creases "1, 2. Crease 3 is adjacent toone end of theblank and defines the juncture between a glue flap 7 and the main bodyof the blank, which flap is elongated and extends longitudinally of thecrease 3, with free end extensions 8, 9 that extend oppositely outwardlyof lines coincidental with creases 1, 2.

The portion 12 of the blank outlined by creases 1, 2, 3, 4 is one of theside Walls of the carton when the blank is folded to provide a case, andthe portion 13 between creases 1, 2, 5, 6 will form the sidewall opposedto said wall 12.

The portion 14 between creases 1, 2, 4, 5 and the portion 15 betweencreases 1, 2, 5 and the free end edge 16 of the blank define the othertwo opposed side walls.

The flaps 17, 18 are along crease 1 and form into opposite top closureflaps said flaps being integral with side walls 12, '13, respectively,While flaps 19, 20 are the two opposite top closure flaps integral withside walls '14, 15 along crease 1.

Along crease 2 are bottom closure flaps 21, 22 that are integral 'withside Walls 12, 13 along crease 2, while bottom closure flaps 23, 24 areintegral with side walls 14, 15 along crease 2. These bottom flaps areidentical with the top closurefiaps.

The side walls 12, 13 are formed with slots 26, 27, the slot 26 beingmidway between and parallel with the creases 3, 4, while slot 27 ismidway between and parallel with creases 5, '6. Said slots terminate attheir ends within the top and bottom closure flaps 17, 21 (for slot 26)and 18, 22 (for slot 27), and at points spaced from but adjacent tofolding creases 1, 2.

The case, or carton, is formed by folding the blank along creases 36 sothat flap 7 laps the side wall 15 along the free edge '16 of the blank,and said flap is then secured to said side Wall 15 along said free edgewith tape, or staples. The end extensions 8, '9 on the glue flap may besimilarly secured to the top and bottom flaps 2t 24- respectively, asseen in FIG. 3.

FIG. 2 shows one of two identical partitions 30 that are adapted to bepositioned within the case, back to back, to extend across the casebetween the slots 26, 27.

Each partition is formed with parallel folding creases 31 equally spacedfrom opposite end edges of the case, providing marginal portions 32along said end edges, which marginal portions project at 33 beyond oneof the edges of each partition. The distance between creases 31 is equalto the width of the case between slots 26, 27 and when the portions arepositioned-flat together, the corresponding marginal portions or endllaps 32 at each of the two corresponding ends of the partitions arefolded away from each other to lie against the side walls 12, 13 of thecase at opposite sides of the slots 26, 27. These end flaps 32 aresecured to said side walls by glue or staples or in any other suitablemanner, and the extensions 33 of the end flaps are similarly secured tothe top closure flaps 17, 18 alongside the extensions of slots 26, 27that extend into said flaps 17, 13. The height of the partitions issubstantially equal to the height of the side walls, and folding creases35 are formed at the junctures between the extensions 33 and the body ofeach partition to align with the folding crease 1 when the partitionsare secured in place so that the extensions 33 will bend with the topclosure flaps 1 7, '18.

These extensions 33 enable loading the cases by automatic loadingapparatus. In such equipment, the top closure flaps are open andinclined away from the open upper end of the case so the cans may bemoved into said open end, and as the extensions 33 are also inclinedaway from the open end of the case, the cans will be readily moved intothe case without engaging the end edges of the flaps 32. Instead, theextensions 33 would tend to guide the cans into the case.

After the cans are in the ease, the top closure flaps '19, 20 are foldeddown onto the cans and then closure flaps 17, 18 are folded flat ontothe flaps 19, 20 and are glued or stapled to the latter.

The closure flaps 17, 18 preferably extend across the open end of thecase to meeting relation. *If the case were square, it is obvious thatthe closure flaps 19, 20 would also extend to meeting relation if theflaps were all of the same width. However, in cases where the side walls12, 1 3 are longer than walls 14, 15, if the closure flaps were all ofthe same width, the closure flaps 19, 20 would not extend to meetingrelation at the divison between the partitions 30, but would be spacedfrom the partitions. Nevertheless the flaps 17, 18 would fully cover thecontents of the case at opposite sides of the partition.

FIG. shows a blank in which the top closure flaps 37, 3 and the bottomclosure fiaps 38, 40 that correspond in positions to flaps 19', 23 andflaps 2t), 24 are sufiiciently wide to substantially extend over thecontents in the case, as seen in FIG. 6. Except for the abovedifference, and the use of a flap 4-1 that does not have extensionsthereon, such as are shown in FIG. 1, the blank of FIG. 5 is identicalwith the blank of FIG. 1.

As seen in FIGS. 4, 6, a heavy broken line 43 may be imprinted on thetop flaps 17, 18 extending between the terminating ends of the slots 26,27 and a similar line is printed on the bottom side of flaps 21, 22together with instructions to cut the flaps along said lines. This iseasily and readily accomplished, since the slots 26, 27 partially extendinto the top and bottom closure fiaps 17, .18 and 2.1, 22 to enableinsertion of a knife through the slot extensions :and between thepartition blanks, and said blanks will then automatically guide theknife along lines 43 upon drawing the knife across said top and bottomclosure flaps. This structure is preferable to the employment of rows ofperforations to form lines of weakness, since cases are frequentlydropped or are roughly handled, and may be caused to break apartaccidentally if lines of weakness are used. Also, by use of the fulllength top and bottom closure flaps which are conventional in standardcases, standard automatic loading apparatus may be used in theconventional manner.

FIG. 7 shows a case in the same position as that of FIG. 3, but in thisinstance, the partition blanks 45, one of which is shown in reduced sizein FIG. 8, are each formed with a central upward extension 46 that isadapted to be folded along crease line 47 to overlie the contents of thegoods at the side adjacent thereto, to cover the space indicated at 48in FIG. 4. Otherwise, the partition blanks are the same as shown in FIG.2.

In filling a case having the partition blanks of FIG. 8, a flat sleeveholds the extensions 46 to permit loading the case by conventionalloading apparatus.

The numerals used in FIG. 7 are the same as for FIG. 3, except for thepartitions. The structure of FIG. 7 will provide a more rigid half-casewhen the case is divided, particularly if the top closure flaps 18, 19are glued to the extensions 46, and also each half case is more fullyclosed. However, in any of the structures shown, the half or fractionalcases will be closed against pilferage after the case has been divided.

The cases of FIGS. 3 and 7, and the case formed from the blank of \FIG.5, will fold to a flat condition when the top and bottom closure flapsare extended, and no manipulation other than would be required were thepartition blanks omitted, will be required to set up the case forfilling. Also, the case may be filled and sealed by use of standardequipment and the blanks use a minimum of fibreboard.

The provision of full length top and bottom closure flaps for holdingthe case sections together insures an exceptionally strong and rigidcase.

The invention is not to be limited by the exact embodiment of the casesshown, which are merely by way of illustration and not limitation, asvarious other forms may be apparent to those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the claims.

1 claim:

1. A divisible rectangular case comprising a single blank of fibreboardcut and folded to provide two pairs of opposed side walls forming thefour lateral sides of said case and top and bottom closure flapsextending from the upper and lower edges of each of said side walls, theclosure flaps on each pair of opopsed side walls being foldable towardeach other to close the upper and lower sides of said case with theflaps on one pair of opposed side walls overlapping the flaps on theother pair of said side walls, a pair of partition blanks in face toface relation extending between the side walls of one pair thereof andintermediate the side walls of the other pair thereof, means securingsaid pair of blanks to said one pair of side walls, the closure flaps onsaid one pair of opposed side walls being outermost relative to theinside of the case, the side walls of said one pair each being formedwith a slot substantially in register with the plane of division betweensaid pair of partition blanks to enable inserting a knife through theslot in one side wall of said one pair and between said partition blanksfor cutting across the closure flaps to the slot formed in the side wallat the other side of said case for thereby dividing said case in a planedisposed between said partition blanks, said means securing said pairsof partition blanks to said one pair of opposed side walls being a pairof coplanar flaps integral with said blanks, respectively, and againstthe opposedly facing surfaces of said one pair of opposed side walls atopposite sides of said slots formed therein, said coplanar flaps havingextensions at their upper ends extending over and secured against thetop closure flaps on said one pair of side walls for folding with saidlast mentioned closure flaps to positions extending angularly outwardlyof said case to enable filling said ease past said last mentioned flapsfree from obstruction by the upper ends of said coplanar flaps.

2. A divisible rectangular case comprising a single blank of fibreboardcut and folded to provide two pairs of opposed side walls forming thefour lateral sides of said case and top and bottom closure flapsextending from the upper and lower edges of said side walls, the closureflaps on each pair of opposed side walls being foldable toward eachother to close the upper and lower sides of said case with the flaps onone pair of opposed side walls overlapping the fiaps on the other pairof said side walls, a pair of partition blanks in face to face relationextending between the side walls of one pair thereof and intermediatethe side Walls of the other pair thereof, means securing said pair ofblanks to said one pair of side walls, the closure flaps on said onepair of opposed side walls being outermost relative to the inside of thecase, the side walls of said one pair each being formed with a slotsubstantially in register with the plane of division between said pairof partition walls and extending at its ends into the closure flapscarried by said one pair of side walls to enable inserting a knifethrough either of the extensions of either of said slots for cuttingacross the closure flaps to the extensions of the other slot forseparating said case in said plane.

3. A divisible rectangular case comprising a single blank of fibreboardcut and folded to provide two pairs of opposed side walls forming thefour lateral sides of said case and top and bottom closure flapsextending from the upper and lower edges of each of said side walls, theclosure flaps on each pair of opposed side walls being foldable towardeach other to close the upper and lower sides of said case with theflaps on one pair of opposed side walls overlapping the flaps on theother pair of said side walls, a pair of partition blanks in face toface engaging relation extending between the side walls of one pairthereof and intermediate the side walls of the other pair thereof, meanssecuring said pair of blanks to said one pair of side walls against theopposedly facing surfaces thereof, the closure flaps on said one pair ofopposed side walls being outermost relative to the inside of the case,the side walls of said one pair each being formed with a slotsubstantially in register with the plane of division between said pairof partition blanks to enable inserting a knife through the slot in oneside wall of said one pair and between said partition blanks for cuttingacross the closure flaps to the slot formed in the side wall at theother side of said case for thereby dividing said case in a planedisposed between said partition blanks, the closure fiaps on said otherpair of opposed side walls extending the major distance between saidother side walls and said pair of partition blanks having extensionsthereon secured to the opposedly facing surfaces of the closure flaps onsaid one pair of side walls.

4. A divisible rectangular case comprising a single blank of fibreboardcut and folded to provide two pairs of opposed side walls forming thefour lateral sides of said case and top and bottom closure flapsextending from the upper and lower edges of each of said side walls, theclosure flaps on each pair of opposed side walls being foldable towardeach other to close the upper and lower sides of said case with theflaps on one pair of opposed side Walls overlapping the flaps on theother pair of said side walls, a pair of partition blanks in face toface relation extending between the side walls of one pair thereof andintermediate the side Walls of the other pair thereof, means within saidcase securing said pair of blanks to the opposed surfaces of said onepair of side walls, the closure flaps on said one pair of opposed sidewalls being outermost relative to the inside of the case, the side wallsof said one pair each being formed with a slot substantially in registerwith the plane of division between said pair of partition blanks exposedto view through said slot to enable inserting a knife through the slotin one side wall of said one pair and between said partition blanks forcutting across the closure flaps to the slot formed in the side wall atthe other side of said case for thereby dividing said case in a planedisposed between said partition blanks, said partition blanks eachincluding top and/or bottom flaps integral therewith extending towardthe side wall of said other pair thereof that is adjacent thereto andthe closure flaps carried by said other pair of side walls and the topand bottom flaps on said partition blanks being secured to the closureflaps on said one pair of side walls that overlap them, said closureflaps on said one pair of opposed side walls terminating in continuousfree opposed edges at the top and bottom sides of said case and beingformed with continuations of said slots adjacent to their junctures withsaid last mentioned side walls for initially guiding such knife betweensaid partition blanks and across said last mentioned closure flaps totheir said terminating free edges.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

1. A DIVISIBLE RECTANGULAR CASE COMPRISING A SINGLE BLANK OF FIBREBOARDCUT AND FOLDED TO PROVIDE TWO PAIRS OF OPPOSED SIDE WALLS FORMING THEFOUR LATERAL SIDES OF SAID CASE AND TOP AND BOTTOM CLOSURE FLAPSEXTENDING FROM THE UPPER AND LOWER EDGES OF EACH OF SAID SIDE WALLS, THECLOSURE FLAPS ON EACH PAIR OF OPPOSED SIDE WALLS BEING FOLDABLE TOWARDEACH OTHER TO CLOSE THE UPPER AND LOWER SIDES OF SAID CASE WITH THEFLAPS ON ONE PAIR OF OPPOSED SIDE WALLS OVERLAPPING THE FLAPS ON THEOTHER PAIR OF SAID SIDE WALLS, A PAIR OF PARTITION BLANKS IN FACE TOFACE RELATION EXTENDING BETWEEN THE SIDE WALLS OF ONE PAIR THEREOF ANDINTERMEDIATE THE SIDE WALLS OF THE OTHER PAIR THEREOF, MEANS SECURINGSAID PAIR OF BLANKS TO SAID ONE PAIR OF SIDE WALLS, THE CLOSURE FLAPS ONSAID ONE PAIR OF OPPOSED SIDE WALLS BEING OUTERMOST RELATIVE TO THEINSIDE OF THE CASE, THE SIDE WALLS OF SAID ONE PAIR EACH BEING FORMEDWITH A SLOT SUBSTANTIALLY IN REGISTER WITH THE PLANE OF DIVISION BETWEENSAID PAIR OF PARTITION BLANKS TO ENABLE INSERTING A KNIFE THROUGH THESLOT IN ONE SIDE WALL OF SAID ONE PAIR AND BETWEEN SAID PARTITION BLANKSFOR CUTTING ACROSS THE CLOSURE FLAPS TO THE SLOT FORMED IN THE SIDE WALLAT THE OTHER SIDE OF SAID CASE FOR THEREBY DIVIDING SAID CASE IN A PLANEDISPOSED BETWEEN SAID PARTITION BLANKS, SAID MEANS SECURING SAID PAIRSOF PARTITION BLANKS TO SAID ONE PAIR OF OPPOSED SIDE WALLS BEING A PAIROF COPLANAR FLAPS INTEGRAL WITH SAID BLANKS, RESPECTIVELY, AND AGAINSTTHE OPPOSEDLY FACING SURFACES OF SAID ONE PAIR OF OPPOSED SIDE WALLS ATOPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID SLOTS FORMED THEREIN, SAID COPLANAR FLAPS HAVINGEXTENSIONS AT THEIR UPPER ENDS EXTENDING OVER AND SECURED AGAINST THETOP CLOSURE FLAPS ON SAID ONE PAIR OF SIDE WALLS FOR FOLDING WITH SAIDLAST MENTIONED CLOSURE FLAPS TO POSITIONS EXTENDING ANGULARLY OUTWARDLYOF SAID CASE TO ENABLE FILLING SAID CASE PAST SAID LAST MENTIONED FLAPSFREE FROM OBSTRUCTION BY THE UPPER ENDS OF SAID COPLANAR FLAPS.